Auditions

Casting call for Tier5’s
the Secret Garden
A Staged Reading

Critically acclaimed and award-winning theatre company, Tier5, is excited to present a first-look staged reading of The Secret Garden, adapted from the iconic Frances Hodgson Burnett novel by James Cougar Canfield.

We are seeking non-union and union actors for this upcoming presentation. The Secret Garden will perform Monday, August 28th, 2023, at 7pm, for one night only, at The Tank.

We intend to produce the reading under the Equity Showcase Code (pending approval). 

Performers of all races, ethnicities, abilities, ages, and gender identities are encouraged to submit. Tier5 strives to create inclusive, safe, and anti-racist environments in every aspect of our operation, on stage and off, for our performers, creatives, and audiences.

Synopsis:
The Secret Garden
Written and directed by James Cougar Canfield

Adapted from the classic novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Mary Lennox is a brat. She’s spoiled, loud, and too smart for her own good. After she is orphaned due to a devastating plague, Mary is sent to live in her estranged uncle’s spooky house, Misselthwaite Manor. Surrounded by strangers and terribly alone- Mary must learn to adapt to her new home, and possibly a banshee or two that haunts it.

Mary discovers that there is a mysterious, hidden garden locked away. And, well, Mary is used to getting what she wants… so she begins a mission to find her secret garden, and unlock the mysteries of Misselthwaite Manor. Maybe along her way she’ll make a few new friends, heal a few wounds, and discover a new part of herself: like her garden, sometimes people just need a little love and care to blossom into something fantastic. 

Rehearsal and Production Dates & Locations:

Performance:
Monday, August 28th, 2023 at 7pm

Rehearsals:
Thursday, August 24th & Friday, August 25th, 6- 10pm
Saturday, August 26th & Sunday, August 27th, 10am-4pm
Tech: Monday, August 28th- 9am- 2pm

Stipend: $75

All actors must be 18 or older.
All company members must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Tier5 is unable to provide housing for out-of-town actors at this time. 

Deadline to submit for casting consideration is end of the day, Wednesday, August 2nd, 2023.

Please fill out the linked Google Form completely to be considered.

Include/Prepare:
Actors may include a link to a performance reel 
Or prepare and link a short contemporary monologue
Include a headshot and resume

(If you have performed with Tier5 before, you do not need to include a reel or monologue,
unless you want to show something different than what you have played before)

Casting Breakdown

We are seeking actors of all races, ethnicities, gender identities, (dis)abilities, shapes/sizes.
All actors must be 18 or older, including the actors playing the younger preteen/teenager roles. 

The role of Ben Weatherstaff has been cast. 

Due to the limited rehearsal period for the show, we will not be able to accommodate major conflicts. 

MARY LENNOX - Preteen. Spoiled and miserable, but smart as all heck, and curious. Orphaned due to a plague, and sent to live with her estranged uncle at Misselthwaite Manor.

COLIN CRAVEN - Preteen. Also spoiled and miserable. Archibald and the late Lilias's son. A bit of a monster, but maybe getting out of bed and breathing some fresh air might help?

MARTHA SOWERBY - Teenager. A maid at Misselthwaite Manor. The eldest of the 13 Sowerby Children. Independent, sassy, and knows how to control a situation.

DICKON SOWERBY - Preteen. One of the 13 Sowerby children. Befriends Mary on her journey to find the Secret Garden. Talks to animals (not in a weird way, in like a cool way)

ARCHIBALD CRAVEN - Adult. The cold and distant master of Misselthwaite Manor. Colin's father, experiencing deep guilt and trauma from the death of his wife.

LILIAS CRAVEN - Deceased. A spectre who wanders through the gardens of Misselthwaite Manor. Colin's late mother, and Archibald's late wife. The glue that held the family and staff together.

MRS. MEDLOCK - Adult. The head of the staff as Misselthwaite Manor. A bit cold, very serious, but really doing her best to hold the whole place together.

DR. CRAVEN - Adult. Archibald's brother. Colin's doctor. Is he up to no good? We can't be quite sure.

MRS. LENNOX - Adult. Mary's mother. Self absorbed and materialistic.

MR. LENNOX - Adult. Mary's father. Wealthy. Very wealthy. Let's his wife do most of the talking.

ROBIN - A bird. Guides the inhabits of Misselthwaite Manor on their journey to uncover the secret garden.

OFFICERS - A couple of officers dealing with the aftermath of the plague that takes Mary's parents' lives.

SERVANTS - A Greek Chorus of sorts, who provide all the gossip and updates on the happens at Misselthwaite Manor.

STAGE DIRECTIONS - Seeking a performer who can match the rhythm of the show, and provide layered and exciting readings that guide the show.